Friday, September 09, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
just a few weeks of summer left...
and its already getting cooler. The earth must be tilting in a different direction b/c the afternoon light already hints of autumn. This has me looking forward to winter with its dark evenings and cozy rain showers. Perfect crafting weather.
I was able to pick up my quilt. It was nice to have it back. I finally get to enjoy the fruit of my labor, well until I send the quilt to my mother in law. I know I've promised myself not to start another quilt until after January, but I have such great fabric that I can't help myself. But then again I have fabulous yarn. I can't believe I have to choose between yarn and fabric. Its torture.
Of course with the quilt finished you would think that I would have attempted some knitting tonight. But no, I went on a cooking rampage, whipping up some homemade tomato sauce, baked ziti and chicken parmesan. One day I will have the time do do everything I want.
autumn is on its way and I've joined the Fall Cable knit along. I will be knitting one of the cabled scarves from Scarf Style from the yarn my SP5 sent me. Pictures soon, probably this weekend.
GG
I was able to pick up my quilt. It was nice to have it back. I finally get to enjoy the fruit of my labor, well until I send the quilt to my mother in law. I know I've promised myself not to start another quilt until after January, but I have such great fabric that I can't help myself. But then again I have fabulous yarn. I can't believe I have to choose between yarn and fabric. Its torture.
Of course with the quilt finished you would think that I would have attempted some knitting tonight. But no, I went on a cooking rampage, whipping up some homemade tomato sauce, baked ziti and chicken parmesan. One day I will have the time do do everything I want.
autumn is on its way and I've joined the Fall Cable knit along. I will be knitting one of the cabled scarves from Scarf Style from the yarn my SP5 sent me. Pictures soon, probably this weekend.
GG
Monday, September 05, 2005
Its official the quilt show is over
And I forgot to pick up my quilt. Do you think they'll let me have it back? Ack!
Here's some photos from the show. I've done a TON of knitting and getting some fabric organized for my future quilts.
For now here's some stuff from the show:
That's the quilt on the left
Close up. It's not the best quilt, but I had fun making it!
Oh and here are some photos of me giving the cat a bath. Seriously she enjoyed this a lot more than it looks. She actually purred in the bathrub for the first couple of minutes until I put the cat shampoo on her (which was all natural especially made for cats) I promise she wasn't harmed in the making of this photo!
Here's some photos from the show. I've done a TON of knitting and getting some fabric organized for my future quilts.
For now here's some stuff from the show:
That's the quilt on the left
Close up. It's not the best quilt, but I had fun making it!
Oh and here are some photos of me giving the cat a bath. Seriously she enjoyed this a lot more than it looks. She actually purred in the bathrub for the first couple of minutes until I put the cat shampoo on her (which was all natural especially made for cats) I promise she wasn't harmed in the making of this photo!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Don't Disturb, I'm Busy Quilting
OK, so I have to deliver the finished quilt TOMORROW for the Marin Quilt and Needle Arts Show. The good news is that in my absence on the blog I have managed to finish the quilt, however I still have to attach the hanging sleeve and baste on my entry number. It shouldn't take that long, but all of this work on the quilt has prevented me from making a major contribution to this blog.
I have a whole heap of stuff to share with you. I've been on a yarn rampage since I have a bunch of christmas presents to make and fall is coming soon and I have a new scarf project that I've been dying to start. I've already taken the photos I just need to get them on here...
Oh and secret pal ends this week and I have to send out my last package. I also have a special package for Cecile, my sp4 pal, which I am also trying to finish up.
pictures soon,
GG
I have a whole heap of stuff to share with you. I've been on a yarn rampage since I have a bunch of christmas presents to make and fall is coming soon and I have a new scarf project that I've been dying to start. I've already taken the photos I just need to get them on here...
Oh and secret pal ends this week and I have to send out my last package. I also have a special package for Cecile, my sp4 pal, which I am also trying to finish up.
pictures soon,
GG
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Yum.
Usually I start off the post with a snappy title, but today I can't figure out a title for the life of me. I clear my head and it remains entirely blank. Usually something speaks to me in the silence, but nothing. Maybe it's because this has been a crazy week. Maybe its because I'm still getting a cold, or perhaps more likely we have lost our way in the land of blog.
Remember the early days of the blog where I would post anything I wanted, personal, political, magical? Nowadays I feel guilty if my post deviates too far from what's considered crafty. For instance I would like to post some food-related content, but some of my knitting friends think that should be relegated to a separate blog, but can't cooking be considered a craft too? I'm not just whipping up a box of macaroni and cheese, when I cook, I really take everything I've learned and put it into food. I make my own creations, mostly good comfort food.
I know food as comfort is a taboo subject these days since we're not supposed to be filling the void in our lives with food, but cooking solidly good food with fresh ingrediants is as nourishing to make as it is to eat. Thus cooking to me has become a craft as much as quilting and knitting. So much so that after a cooking dinner, I rarely have the energy to work on my more "crafty" projects. Cooking is a creative endeavor that requires an emotional investment to be sucessful. Simply knowing a few techniques and a key flavors allows you to express yourself.
As you may remember I had a cold this week, which I managed to pass onto Mr. Grenadine. Mr. Grenadine hates being sick and I felt bad that he got it from me so I made him one of my chicken soups. There once was a time when I used to HATE chicken soup. In fact I still kinda do. I never order it in restaurants, I hate the canned stuff at home. Its all too salty and the chicen too stringy. I used to wonder why people liked to eat the stuff when they were sick.
But then I witnessed the joy that is roasting chicken thighs. A friend made the most delicious bbq chicken and I realized that the moistest and tastiest part of the chicken isn't in the breast, it's in the thigh. Don't get me wrong, breast is great for curries, pastas and salads, and it's a low fat protein source, but what it lacks in fat, it lacks in flavor and texture, which you need when making soup. Chicken thigh not only has enough fat and flavor, a package of 6 thighs are pretty cheap while boneless, skinless breast is as expensive as some beefsteaks. The other great thing about chicken thighs is that you can roast them in their own skins with a little salt, pepper and thyme and you don't have to add any additional fat.
funny how i'm writing about food, whilst watching Iron Chef...
Anyhoo, here is my chicken soup recipe, which I make with love to heal my husband when he has a cold.
Angela’s Chicken Soup
3 carrots
4 stalks of celery
2 small onions
2 large potatoes
1 bag frozen corn
6 chicken thighs
2 liters chicken broth
2 tbls butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of cayenne
Dash of dried or fresh Thyme
Dash of nutmeg
Preheat oven to 400.
Put chicken thighs in oven proof baking dish, skin side up.
Flavor chicken with Salt and Pepper and thyme, no need for oil, the chicken skin provides enough fat.
Roast chicken for 45 minutes or until skin is crispy and meat is tender.
While chicken is roasting, chop all vegetables except for the corn.
Melt butter in dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in carrots, celery, and onions. Saute until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth and potatoes. Season soup with cayenne, thyme and nutmeg to taste. Let simmer over medium low heat until the chicken has cooked. Add corn.
When chicken is fully cook, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for five minutes. Cut the chicken using a fork and knife, adding it with the skin to the soup. Let simmer another 10 minutes. Serve with a fresh, crusty French bread.
Yum.
GG
Remember the early days of the blog where I would post anything I wanted, personal, political, magical? Nowadays I feel guilty if my post deviates too far from what's considered crafty. For instance I would like to post some food-related content, but some of my knitting friends think that should be relegated to a separate blog, but can't cooking be considered a craft too? I'm not just whipping up a box of macaroni and cheese, when I cook, I really take everything I've learned and put it into food. I make my own creations, mostly good comfort food.
I know food as comfort is a taboo subject these days since we're not supposed to be filling the void in our lives with food, but cooking solidly good food with fresh ingrediants is as nourishing to make as it is to eat. Thus cooking to me has become a craft as much as quilting and knitting. So much so that after a cooking dinner, I rarely have the energy to work on my more "crafty" projects. Cooking is a creative endeavor that requires an emotional investment to be sucessful. Simply knowing a few techniques and a key flavors allows you to express yourself.
As you may remember I had a cold this week, which I managed to pass onto Mr. Grenadine. Mr. Grenadine hates being sick and I felt bad that he got it from me so I made him one of my chicken soups. There once was a time when I used to HATE chicken soup. In fact I still kinda do. I never order it in restaurants, I hate the canned stuff at home. Its all too salty and the chicen too stringy. I used to wonder why people liked to eat the stuff when they were sick.
But then I witnessed the joy that is roasting chicken thighs. A friend made the most delicious bbq chicken and I realized that the moistest and tastiest part of the chicken isn't in the breast, it's in the thigh. Don't get me wrong, breast is great for curries, pastas and salads, and it's a low fat protein source, but what it lacks in fat, it lacks in flavor and texture, which you need when making soup. Chicken thigh not only has enough fat and flavor, a package of 6 thighs are pretty cheap while boneless, skinless breast is as expensive as some beefsteaks. The other great thing about chicken thighs is that you can roast them in their own skins with a little salt, pepper and thyme and you don't have to add any additional fat.
funny how i'm writing about food, whilst watching Iron Chef...
Anyhoo, here is my chicken soup recipe, which I make with love to heal my husband when he has a cold.
Angela’s Chicken Soup
3 carrots
4 stalks of celery
2 small onions
2 large potatoes
1 bag frozen corn
6 chicken thighs
2 liters chicken broth
2 tbls butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of cayenne
Dash of dried or fresh Thyme
Dash of nutmeg
Preheat oven to 400.
Put chicken thighs in oven proof baking dish, skin side up.
Flavor chicken with Salt and Pepper and thyme, no need for oil, the chicken skin provides enough fat.
Roast chicken for 45 minutes or until skin is crispy and meat is tender.
While chicken is roasting, chop all vegetables except for the corn.
Melt butter in dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in carrots, celery, and onions. Saute until onions are translucent. Add chicken broth and potatoes. Season soup with cayenne, thyme and nutmeg to taste. Let simmer over medium low heat until the chicken has cooked. Add corn.
When chicken is fully cook, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for five minutes. Cut the chicken using a fork and knife, adding it with the skin to the soup. Let simmer another 10 minutes. Serve with a fresh, crusty French bread.
Yum.
GG
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Excuse me while I kiss the sky
Damn. I've been sick for more than four days. I caught a cold out of nowhere. It started Tuesday with a major headache and a bothersome sore back. The next morning I couldn't finish a sentence without sneezing and I went home from work at 11:30am. The fact that I went home is proof that this was a whammy of a cold b/c I'm usually a toughie when it comes to colds. I pop a couple of dayquils and my life continues as normal, but with a funny buzz. But this cold knocked me squarely off my ass. I didn't go to work for the rest of the week.
I haven't left the house since Wednesday. I've barely been able to get off the couch. Thank god for netflix. Fortunately now I'm feeling a bit better, but my voice sounds like I've been smoking for fifty years and I'm still tired.
On a lighter note, I did receive a package from my secret pal. She sent me some handmade notecards, nifty paper and two skeins of variegated Cascade 220. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. I'm going to make a scarf out of it from Scarf Style. Wouldn't that be noice...
Anyway I'm too tired to think of anything else to write.
La Grenadine
I haven't left the house since Wednesday. I've barely been able to get off the couch. Thank god for netflix. Fortunately now I'm feeling a bit better, but my voice sounds like I've been smoking for fifty years and I'm still tired.
On a lighter note, I did receive a package from my secret pal. She sent me some handmade notecards, nifty paper and two skeins of variegated Cascade 220. Beautiful beautiful beautiful. I'm going to make a scarf out of it from Scarf Style. Wouldn't that be noice...
Anyway I'm too tired to think of anything else to write.
La Grenadine
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Life Status
OK.
You would think that I had almost forgotten my new year's resolutions.
I have learned some new french phrases:
n'importe quoi (doesn't matter, not matter what)
quoi de neuf (what's new?)
ca fait mal (that hurts)
apportez moi quelquechose (bring me something)
I have been crafting up a storm
It's looking like Luke and I will be able to spend next New Year's Eve in Australia, thereby fulfilling my lifelong dream of celebrating NYE in a foreign country.
I've hung out with my mom a bit more.
I've improved in my job.
Just remember to continually think positively....
You would think that I had almost forgotten my new year's resolutions.
I have learned some new french phrases:
n'importe quoi (doesn't matter, not matter what)
quoi de neuf (what's new?)
ca fait mal (that hurts)
apportez moi quelquechose (bring me something)
I have been crafting up a storm
It's looking like Luke and I will be able to spend next New Year's Eve in Australia, thereby fulfilling my lifelong dream of celebrating NYE in a foreign country.
I've hung out with my mom a bit more.
I've improved in my job.
Just remember to continually think positively....
Fast Times
No one ever told me how fast time would fly the older you get. I can't believe it's already August. The Mr. and I have been married for almost a year. Shock....
This summer has been more busy that I had anticipated. I didn't realize I had so many friends. I don't have time to call anybody forget about seeing anyone. Part of the problem is that its been so busy at work. There have been so many changes and it's just worn me out adjusting to everything, plus I worked part of the weekend and went out.. so not so much time for crafting, which sucks b/c I absolutely need to get this quilt done.
I guess I'm just surprised. I've made a bunch of new friends and some old ones have come out of the woodwork. Am I just antisocial? Am I using crafts to be antisocial? Its true the quilt is requiring quite a bit of my time, maybe I'll be more sociable after the quilt is finished.
Has anyone else's relationships suffered because of crafting? I've found that it's brought people together more than kept them apart. Its not the crafting, its the working... I'm still a college student at heart, wishing I could laze around between classes.
Aren't we all?
GG
This summer has been more busy that I had anticipated. I didn't realize I had so many friends. I don't have time to call anybody forget about seeing anyone. Part of the problem is that its been so busy at work. There have been so many changes and it's just worn me out adjusting to everything, plus I worked part of the weekend and went out.. so not so much time for crafting, which sucks b/c I absolutely need to get this quilt done.
I guess I'm just surprised. I've made a bunch of new friends and some old ones have come out of the woodwork. Am I just antisocial? Am I using crafts to be antisocial? Its true the quilt is requiring quite a bit of my time, maybe I'll be more sociable after the quilt is finished.
Has anyone else's relationships suffered because of crafting? I've found that it's brought people together more than kept them apart. Its not the crafting, its the working... I'm still a college student at heart, wishing I could laze around between classes.
Aren't we all?
GG
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Pottery Farm
Yes Friends...
It's that time of year again. Twice a year, I have to work the San Francisco International Gift Fair. This is heaps of fun because it's basically a big party where I see a lot of people I know and work with. We talk, we eat, we gossip and we sell product. It's a place where everybody's happy and enthusiastic. However, I worked fewer hours this season because of craziness in the office and because exerting all the energy at the show has the tendency of making me cranky during the week.
However the highlight of the day was visiting with Alex and Andrew of Alex Marshall Studios. You'll recall she does this amazing tableware. I'm a big fan and I love to support a local artist. She just rehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifcently moved her operations to the central valley of all things, but seems to be flourishing. Anyhoo, I couldn't help but splurge and order a few more of her bowls and mugs. AND she has come out with this gorgeous ceramic cylinder that's just perfect for holding knitting needles. I'm going to have to make a button because I want Alex's pieces to be a permanent fixture on my blog.
This was a fantastic weekend, however I didn't spend any time working on the quilt. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll make it to the show...
It's that time of year again. Twice a year, I have to work the San Francisco International Gift Fair. This is heaps of fun because it's basically a big party where I see a lot of people I know and work with. We talk, we eat, we gossip and we sell product. It's a place where everybody's happy and enthusiastic. However, I worked fewer hours this season because of craziness in the office and because exerting all the energy at the show has the tendency of making me cranky during the week.
However the highlight of the day was visiting with Alex and Andrew of Alex Marshall Studios. You'll recall she does this amazing tableware. I'm a big fan and I love to support a local artist. She just rehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifcently moved her operations to the central valley of all things, but seems to be flourishing. Anyhoo, I couldn't help but splurge and order a few more of her bowls and mugs. AND she has come out with this gorgeous ceramic cylinder that's just perfect for holding knitting needles. I'm going to have to make a button because I want Alex's pieces to be a permanent fixture on my blog.
This was a fantastic weekend, however I didn't spend any time working on the quilt. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll make it to the show...
Sunday, July 31, 2005
New Object Madness
Sigh.....
Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of me relaxing. Don't know why, but this has been the first weekend in AGES where I've done nothing but crafts all weekend long. I've barely even left the house. I feel genuinely rested for the first time in months. Considering how many crafts I've tackled, you'd think I'd be a bit tired.
Of course I've been intending to work on the quilt all weekend long. Call it procrastination, call it compulsive inspiration. I found myself hounding my leftover stash of Musuem yarn from the flower basket bag. I was never happy with the outcome of that project. It was way too wonky. So I tried it again and this time it was better. I knit this smaller version in a day and felted it at about midnight last night. Who knew that hand felting could be so satisfying? My arms are a little sore from all of the squeezing.
Yes I know it doesn't seem like I've learned much. My edges could still be a bit neater, but it will probably look better once I've sewn the flowers on. And I'm planning to sew a lining inside.
Of course never one to be happy with starting just one project, in order to fully avoid the ones I'm working on now, I've also started a snazzy scarf. Made with Berroco Gem (ooo pricey ouch) and SWTC phoenix, it's going to be a dropped stitch affair. Just casting on brough a sense of zen to my well being.
I'm also working on another crystal palace chenille flower washcloth. The first one I made grew on me so I'm making another. AND I just bought a stash of the stuff on Ebay so you can imagine there's going to be more on the horizon.
So what are we avoiding? The quilt of course, but after this post I will be attacking the quilt for the rest of the day. I can't decide which movie to watch while I'm working. I have this library of films, but I've seen them all a million times. I'm leaning towards Moulin Rouge.
Before I forget I wanted to share with you the gorgeous package I received from FRANCE from the tres tres magnifique Cecille, my SP4 secret pal. She is so sweet. I wish I lived in France so that we could hang out and make things together. She also made me this AMAZING card with a little piece of knitting on it with two little toothpicks for knitting needles. It's not in the photo b/c I have it hangint at work to remind me of my true love of knitting.
Here's what I plan to do with the yarn, hopefully I can get it to the correct gauge!:
Thank you Cecile. Tu es la plus sympatique tricoteuse du monde! J'espere qu'on va au cafe a paris un jour avec nos projets.
Au revoir mes amis et joyeux tricoter (goodbye my friends and happy knitting!)
GG
Do you hear that sound? That's the sound of me relaxing. Don't know why, but this has been the first weekend in AGES where I've done nothing but crafts all weekend long. I've barely even left the house. I feel genuinely rested for the first time in months. Considering how many crafts I've tackled, you'd think I'd be a bit tired.
Of course I've been intending to work on the quilt all weekend long. Call it procrastination, call it compulsive inspiration. I found myself hounding my leftover stash of Musuem yarn from the flower basket bag. I was never happy with the outcome of that project. It was way too wonky. So I tried it again and this time it was better. I knit this smaller version in a day and felted it at about midnight last night. Who knew that hand felting could be so satisfying? My arms are a little sore from all of the squeezing.
Yes I know it doesn't seem like I've learned much. My edges could still be a bit neater, but it will probably look better once I've sewn the flowers on. And I'm planning to sew a lining inside.
Of course never one to be happy with starting just one project, in order to fully avoid the ones I'm working on now, I've also started a snazzy scarf. Made with Berroco Gem (ooo pricey ouch) and SWTC phoenix, it's going to be a dropped stitch affair. Just casting on brough a sense of zen to my well being.
I'm also working on another crystal palace chenille flower washcloth. The first one I made grew on me so I'm making another. AND I just bought a stash of the stuff on Ebay so you can imagine there's going to be more on the horizon.
So what are we avoiding? The quilt of course, but after this post I will be attacking the quilt for the rest of the day. I can't decide which movie to watch while I'm working. I have this library of films, but I've seen them all a million times. I'm leaning towards Moulin Rouge.
Before I forget I wanted to share with you the gorgeous package I received from FRANCE from the tres tres magnifique Cecille, my SP4 secret pal. She is so sweet. I wish I lived in France so that we could hang out and make things together. She also made me this AMAZING card with a little piece of knitting on it with two little toothpicks for knitting needles. It's not in the photo b/c I have it hangint at work to remind me of my true love of knitting.
Here's what I plan to do with the yarn, hopefully I can get it to the correct gauge!:
Thank you Cecile. Tu es la plus sympatique tricoteuse du monde! J'espere qu'on va au cafe a paris un jour avec nos projets.
Au revoir mes amis et joyeux tricoter (goodbye my friends and happy knitting!)
GG
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Am I Sleeping Yet?
Ugh..
Busy Busy times.
Have you ever worked overtime and come home to find your favorite show is on?
So Graham Norton is the best thing to watch after a long day at work.
I'm so busy that I haven't even had time to take photos of the bountiful gift from my friend Cecile, please visit her blog, her craftiness will wow you and thoughtfulness will inspire you. I can't wait to share it with you. There was a fabu French magazine, some luscious cotton yarn, a fountain pen among other wonderful things. Thank you cecile, I'm so glad we've met.
On to the crafts... since I worked so late tonight I didn't get a chance to work on the quilt. We only have another month or so left until the quilt show and I still have to sew in all the little bits and sew on the binding. I'm almost done with the binding. It will be finished this weekend and hopefull all those pesky ends will be finished within two weeks. I'm just going to have to rent a heap of movies (any suggestions?) and glue my gluteus maximus to the sofa.
I've been doing some knitting, though I've limited myself to simple projects. I'm making another chenille flower washcloth to prove that I can do it correctly. I've enjoyed working with the chenille so much that I bought a stash of it on Ebay this week. I'm also figuring out how to make other shapes like hearts and stars. Suddenly I get the feeling that lots of people will be getting washcloths for Christmas.
hardy har har.
good night
GG
Busy Busy times.
Have you ever worked overtime and come home to find your favorite show is on?
So Graham Norton is the best thing to watch after a long day at work.
I'm so busy that I haven't even had time to take photos of the bountiful gift from my friend Cecile, please visit her blog, her craftiness will wow you and thoughtfulness will inspire you. I can't wait to share it with you. There was a fabu French magazine, some luscious cotton yarn, a fountain pen among other wonderful things. Thank you cecile, I'm so glad we've met.
On to the crafts... since I worked so late tonight I didn't get a chance to work on the quilt. We only have another month or so left until the quilt show and I still have to sew in all the little bits and sew on the binding. I'm almost done with the binding. It will be finished this weekend and hopefull all those pesky ends will be finished within two weeks. I'm just going to have to rent a heap of movies (any suggestions?) and glue my gluteus maximus to the sofa.
I've been doing some knitting, though I've limited myself to simple projects. I'm making another chenille flower washcloth to prove that I can do it correctly. I've enjoyed working with the chenille so much that I bought a stash of it on Ebay this week. I'm also figuring out how to make other shapes like hearts and stars. Suddenly I get the feeling that lots of people will be getting washcloths for Christmas.
hardy har har.
good night
GG
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
We pause for a commercial break
The folks at Maran Illustrated were kind enough to send me a complimentary copy of their knitting and crocheting how-to book. I wasn't expecting to like it because frankly, to me it's not very aesthetically pleasing. Don't get me wrong, the knitting and crocheting illustrations are excellent, however the use of color and the photography aren't so good. However, I will take excellent illustrated instruction over aesthetics any day.
This is the first book that showed me multiple ways to weave in ends, to make cast-ons and to increase. Anytime I have a question on a pattern this will be my go-to book. It's like a knitting bible. I would liken it to a textbook for its factual and detailed approach. Everybody's got a million pretty knitting books with lucious photos and interesting anecdotes and tasty projects, but Maran's Illustrated Guide to Knitting and Crocheting will be the book I use to figure out how to actually knit.
If you need a book to help you figure out some of those tricky knitting techniques: look no further: Maran Illustrated
Grenadine Girl
This is the first book that showed me multiple ways to weave in ends, to make cast-ons and to increase. Anytime I have a question on a pattern this will be my go-to book. It's like a knitting bible. I would liken it to a textbook for its factual and detailed approach. Everybody's got a million pretty knitting books with lucious photos and interesting anecdotes and tasty projects, but Maran's Illustrated Guide to Knitting and Crocheting will be the book I use to figure out how to actually knit.
If you need a book to help you figure out some of those tricky knitting techniques: look no further: Maran Illustrated
Grenadine Girl
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Real Retail Therapy
I have discovered a NEW LYS!!!!
For those of you who don't knit, an LYS is a Local Yarn Store and one just opened a short distance from my office. I had stopped by there while it was still in its construction stages and I was a little unsure. It was filled up with the nicest yarns, the rowans, the debbie blisses. This store had every potential of being one of those snotty yarn shops. Its in a wealthy area, there are alot of other good, but low key yarn shops in the region. However I'm totally thrilled. The manager and proprietor are enthusiastic and friendly and even invited me to knit in the store whenever I wanted. And man do they have comfy couches? I have found yarn haven!
Studio Knit
Ahhh to be writing about knitting again...
GG
For those of you who don't knit, an LYS is a Local Yarn Store and one just opened a short distance from my office. I had stopped by there while it was still in its construction stages and I was a little unsure. It was filled up with the nicest yarns, the rowans, the debbie blisses. This store had every potential of being one of those snotty yarn shops. Its in a wealthy area, there are alot of other good, but low key yarn shops in the region. However I'm totally thrilled. The manager and proprietor are enthusiastic and friendly and even invited me to knit in the store whenever I wanted. And man do they have comfy couches? I have found yarn haven!
Studio Knit
Ahhh to be writing about knitting again...
GG
Monday, July 18, 2005
Too Busy for Crafting
Sigh.
I can't really complain the weekend was very action-packed. I went to a short film screening on Friday night followed by a late night gelato run.
Saturday my brothers and cousins came for a visit and stayed the night. It was crazy with all those people in the house AND I got my Harry Potter book which I managed to read while everyone else was playing drunken Monopoly. The Harry Potter book was finished by Sunday morning, which was riveting to say the least. I can't wait for the next book and I wonder where I will be when it comes out. When the last one came out two years ago I was living in an apartment by the bay. I can't believe that was two years ago!
Aside from finishing the Harry Potter book, I also cooked waffles for my entire family, no mean feat. Then after everyone left I took off into the city (with too much traffic) to meet my friend Lija for a screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Apparently its the Harry Potter Charlie Bucket weekend. By the time I got home Sunday night I was too knackered to do anything but laze around on the couch.
Anyhoo. I liked the Charlie movie, however Johnny Depp's performance was a little too Marilyn Manson. I prefer Gene Wilder. Johnny's performance took away the humanity of Wonka and just turned him into a freak. This isn't surprising considering Tim Burton's affinity for freaks, but the story isn't about a man who doesn't fit into society. The story is about family and making Wonka an all-out freak just raises questions that Wonka's background doesn't resolve. Sadly this results in a cariacature performance. All the other performances are spot-on. I fell in love with every character despite their inherent flaws and who didn't melt for Charlie's entire family? I'm already a HUGE fan of Noah Taylor's work. He was Charlie's dad in CATCF, but was also in Shine, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, and Tomb Raider. Please put him in more movies. He's a solid actor and nice on the eyes. I also liked Helena Bonham Carter's work. I think she even wore fake teeth. She made a charming mum.
Anyway I was too busy to craft anything so no photos...
Grenadine Girl
I can't really complain the weekend was very action-packed. I went to a short film screening on Friday night followed by a late night gelato run.
Saturday my brothers and cousins came for a visit and stayed the night. It was crazy with all those people in the house AND I got my Harry Potter book which I managed to read while everyone else was playing drunken Monopoly. The Harry Potter book was finished by Sunday morning, which was riveting to say the least. I can't wait for the next book and I wonder where I will be when it comes out. When the last one came out two years ago I was living in an apartment by the bay. I can't believe that was two years ago!
Aside from finishing the Harry Potter book, I also cooked waffles for my entire family, no mean feat. Then after everyone left I took off into the city (with too much traffic) to meet my friend Lija for a screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Apparently its the Harry Potter Charlie Bucket weekend. By the time I got home Sunday night I was too knackered to do anything but laze around on the couch.
Anyhoo. I liked the Charlie movie, however Johnny Depp's performance was a little too Marilyn Manson. I prefer Gene Wilder. Johnny's performance took away the humanity of Wonka and just turned him into a freak. This isn't surprising considering Tim Burton's affinity for freaks, but the story isn't about a man who doesn't fit into society. The story is about family and making Wonka an all-out freak just raises questions that Wonka's background doesn't resolve. Sadly this results in a cariacature performance. All the other performances are spot-on. I fell in love with every character despite their inherent flaws and who didn't melt for Charlie's entire family? I'm already a HUGE fan of Noah Taylor's work. He was Charlie's dad in CATCF, but was also in Shine, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, and Tomb Raider. Please put him in more movies. He's a solid actor and nice on the eyes. I also liked Helena Bonham Carter's work. I think she even wore fake teeth. She made a charming mum.
Anyway I was too busy to craft anything so no photos...
Grenadine Girl
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I did it
I just mailed out my application for the Marin Needle Arts Guild Quilt Fair... now I just have to finish the quilt!
ack
GG
ack
GG
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
New View
Yay! I got a new cubical at work and I have a window!
I am absolutely shocked at all of the interesting things I see on my hohum industrial street.
I saw my friend Ren riding a bike.
I saw a three legged dog.
And I'm pleased to discover that I can see the bay from my chair.
Ahhh instant calm.
La Fille Grenadine
I am absolutely shocked at all of the interesting things I see on my hohum industrial street.
I saw my friend Ren riding a bike.
I saw a three legged dog.
And I'm pleased to discover that I can see the bay from my chair.
Ahhh instant calm.
La Fille Grenadine
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Summer Stuff
Hello Friends,
It's that time where I write a post to update my family abroad on the happenings of me and Mr. Grenadine.
We've been getting used to the cat:
We've been having high tea in the living room:
And I've finished a small knitting project: a flower shaped chenille washcloth (without a row counter, I've managed to knit too many rows in the center so it's a bit floppy) but I'm still proud of it.
Overall it's been a good summer. I took a walk around the block, found some sale fabrics at Joann's (one of my rules is that you can't say no to $3/yard fabrics) I've also been feverishly laboring over the Freckle Quilt because the Marin Quilt Fair deadline is coming up soon. I'm a little concerned b/c I'm a beginning quilter and I machined quilted it myself and with everything I make it's a little wanky. Can somebody remind me to apply for this thing because my procrastination will prevent me from entering. I don't know because if I do enter and don't get in, I'll be discouraged from quilting and I've bought so much fabric that I just can't afford to give up the habit.
Anyway happy crafting to all and to all a great night.
GG
It's that time where I write a post to update my family abroad on the happenings of me and Mr. Grenadine.
We've been getting used to the cat:
We've been having high tea in the living room:
And I've finished a small knitting project: a flower shaped chenille washcloth (without a row counter, I've managed to knit too many rows in the center so it's a bit floppy) but I'm still proud of it.
Overall it's been a good summer. I took a walk around the block, found some sale fabrics at Joann's (one of my rules is that you can't say no to $3/yard fabrics) I've also been feverishly laboring over the Freckle Quilt because the Marin Quilt Fair deadline is coming up soon. I'm a little concerned b/c I'm a beginning quilter and I machined quilted it myself and with everything I make it's a little wanky. Can somebody remind me to apply for this thing because my procrastination will prevent me from entering. I don't know because if I do enter and don't get in, I'll be discouraged from quilting and I've bought so much fabric that I just can't afford to give up the habit.
Anyway happy crafting to all and to all a great night.
GG
Thursday, July 07, 2005
London Bombings
I'm totally sick that this has happened. I don't know what to make of it. Can we stop terrorism? I don't know. This is heartbreaking. These people think they have morals? The terrorists are barbarians.
My heart goes out to Muslims who are not affliated with terrorism in any way. Their lives have also been made more difficult. My thoughts will be with Britain. Please think of them too.
Also, ignore the American Media, go to BBC. The american media doesn't know anything and they're playing COMMERCIALS between reports. This is as shocking as 911 and I'm disgusted that our media doesn't find this news as important as that.
G.G.
My heart goes out to Muslims who are not affliated with terrorism in any way. Their lives have also been made more difficult. My thoughts will be with Britain. Please think of them too.
Also, ignore the American Media, go to BBC. The american media doesn't know anything and they're playing COMMERCIALS between reports. This is as shocking as 911 and I'm disgusted that our media doesn't find this news as important as that.
G.G.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Friday, July 01, 2005
And back to the knitting
As we speak, there is a new addition coming to the GrenadineGirl Household. Yes Mr. Grenadine and I are expecting... A NEW CAT!!!
I havent had a cat in over a decade. I'm a little concerned because I'm rescuing a cat who would otherwise be needing a home. Her name is M and she's a devon rex. This is going to be interesting because Mr. Grenadine doesn't like cats so much and apparently this cat really likes humans. She likes plenty of attention and I hope that Luke and I can provide that.
Aside from that nothin much is new. I heard from my secret pal. Please think good thoughts for her, she recently lost her job. I'm hoping that good things will happen for her, because she is so creative. I mean, just look at the amazing little packages she sent me. Most of them were made by her. She took the photos, made the postcards and the custest little stitchmarkers! She has me ready to break out my bead box again.
I also have a finished project and a project in progress to show you:
Remember that afghan that I keep talking about, but I've never shown? Well, here it is, a series of garter stitch blocks that will be sewed together. I'm using Plymouth Encore Chunky, which is very soft. The blue skeins you see in the photo will provide contrasting blocks. Eventually it's going to look like a checkboard. I'm giving it away, but it's so cozy that its not going to be easy.
AND FINALLY THE KNIT ONE TANK IS FINISHED. (almost)
I just have to block it!
I havent had a cat in over a decade. I'm a little concerned because I'm rescuing a cat who would otherwise be needing a home. Her name is M and she's a devon rex. This is going to be interesting because Mr. Grenadine doesn't like cats so much and apparently this cat really likes humans. She likes plenty of attention and I hope that Luke and I can provide that.
Aside from that nothin much is new. I heard from my secret pal. Please think good thoughts for her, she recently lost her job. I'm hoping that good things will happen for her, because she is so creative. I mean, just look at the amazing little packages she sent me. Most of them were made by her. She took the photos, made the postcards and the custest little stitchmarkers! She has me ready to break out my bead box again.
I also have a finished project and a project in progress to show you:
Remember that afghan that I keep talking about, but I've never shown? Well, here it is, a series of garter stitch blocks that will be sewed together. I'm using Plymouth Encore Chunky, which is very soft. The blue skeins you see in the photo will provide contrasting blocks. Eventually it's going to look like a checkboard. I'm giving it away, but it's so cozy that its not going to be easy.
AND FINALLY THE KNIT ONE TANK IS FINISHED. (almost)
I just have to block it!
As Requested, More Photos of Me in a Wig:
More Party People
That party was just too much fun. You can tell I'm having a rowdy 4th of July weekend because I'm blogging. NOT!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Anything to put that photo lower on the blog!
It's been a productive day. I folded a month's worth of laundry, cooked a chicken curry, started seaming up the Knit 1 Tank, and I ran the dishwasher. It so doesn't take much to entertain me. It was a fun day at work. I kept getting great emails with post-party gossip. Let's just say that I wasn't the only one with a hangover on Sunday...
So there's a lot of crazy project progress in action and some interesting developments.. later this week I will post something more substantial with lots of photos of projects in progress. I still have to show everyone the loverly package my sp sent me, which I loved...
Anyway hope you're all having a good week...
Grenadine Girl
So there's a lot of crazy project progress in action and some interesting developments.. later this week I will post something more substantial with lots of photos of projects in progress. I still have to show everyone the loverly package my sp sent me, which I loved...
Anyway hope you're all having a good week...
Grenadine Girl
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Please Don't Laugh
OK, you know the part in the previous blog where I said that I looked fabulous at last night's party. Now looking at the photos I'm not sure anymore...
Vodka, Always a Painful Encounter
Last night was the big "what the" party and I took the opportunity to dress up. I will post a picture later, but imagine if you will a short dress, platform mary janes, and a huge pink wig and a tiara. I kept my distance from the Castro as I didn't want to upstage any drag queens because I looked fabulous.
Of course, no one else took the opportunity to put themselves in such crazy getup so I was the only one looking so out-of-this-world, which for some people would be uncomfortable, but for me I just felt sorry for those who didn't have the balls to revel in the unusual. Of course I am married and I will take any opportunity to revert to my crazy dance club girl behavior, even if only temporarily.
Needless to say my naughty behavior included drinking multple cosmos and lemondrops so I'm hurtin' a bit today.
Ouch. The price you pay to party.
Grenadine Girl
Of course, no one else took the opportunity to put themselves in such crazy getup so I was the only one looking so out-of-this-world, which for some people would be uncomfortable, but for me I just felt sorry for those who didn't have the balls to revel in the unusual. Of course I am married and I will take any opportunity to revert to my crazy dance club girl behavior, even if only temporarily.
Needless to say my naughty behavior included drinking multple cosmos and lemondrops so I'm hurtin' a bit today.
Ouch. The price you pay to party.
Grenadine Girl
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Sewing Anyone?
I am on a crafting rampage. Never satisfied with just one project, I am balancing three:
witness the mayhem:
I'm a messy crafter
The quilt in-progress
Knit 1 Tank Top In Progress
I'm also working on a messenger bag that I can't understand the schematics for...
Oy Vey!
GG
witness the mayhem:
I'm a messy crafter
The quilt in-progress
Knit 1 Tank Top In Progress
I'm also working on a messenger bag that I can't understand the schematics for...
Oy Vey!
GG
Monday, June 13, 2005
Photo Bonanza
Here is a photo summary of the last two weeks, mainly birthday celebrations. A special prize for who can tell me the name of the man with the funny shirt:
The Margarita Moviefest 2005:
Before Margaritas:
After Margaritas:
Sausalito Madness:
I'm exhausted just remembering all of it. Hmmm one of these days I'll actually post some knitting photos. Oh and my secret pal sent me a loverly package. So adorable and all hand made stuff -some stitch markers and handmade postcards featuring 70's and 80's era Wonderwoman... I'm a happy knitter.
peace out.
grenadine girl
The Margarita Moviefest 2005:
Before Margaritas:
After Margaritas:
Sausalito Madness:
I'm exhausted just remembering all of it. Hmmm one of these days I'll actually post some knitting photos. Oh and my secret pal sent me a loverly package. So adorable and all hand made stuff -some stitch markers and handmade postcards featuring 70's and 80's era Wonderwoman... I'm a happy knitter.
peace out.
grenadine girl
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Maaaarvelous
June is a good month and not just because its my birthday. Well maybe this June is particularly good because my birthday celebration lasted more than a week. A special thank you again to all of my friends family and coworkers for making my birthday absolutely fabulous!
Secret Pal 5 is in action and I'm enjoying emailing my secret pals. I'm impressed that I always get paired up with interesting people. You knitters are a fascinating bunch. Blah I wish I had more to say. Things have been really good. I've been eating entirely too much. I had some fabulous Crab Bisque at Bungalow 44. It was so good that every day at lunch time I fantasize that I'm sipping Crab Bisque instead of chomping down on last night's leftovers. Many thanks to R and R for treating me for my birthday. It was an unforgettable dinner.
Last Friday as you may know I went out with some of my friends. I planned this event for two reasons. One: to fete my birthday but also two : to see if any of my girlfriends might like any of my guy friends. Time will tell, but I think something's bubbling. I'm such a trouble maker, but the people in question are fabulous, intelligent people who have had bad luck in this arena. I've done my part playing kismet in bringing them together.. as I'm fond of saying only time will tell...
Time will tell in two weeks when my pal J has a house partay. The theme is "What the f*ck", meaning "I'll go to the party with a lampshade on my head -what the f*ck?" or "I'll wear a Homer Simpson mask to the party -what the f8ck?". I think I may go wearing a purple wig a la Charlotte in Lost In Translation (but also with a tiara -how often do I get to wear a tiara in public ?)
So this summer is panning out to be quite memorable. I've made new friends and been much more sociable, which even my pal Tai has noticed, who normally condemns my lack of a social life. Things are falling into place. Luke and I have cleared a major hurdle in our lives so we're focusing on enjoying ourselves. I'm feeling so good that i'm realizing that there only a few truly memorable eras in my life. The rest of the time life is difficult and you struggle, but unexplicably, there are times when magic happens and everything is how you want it to be. Or perhaps you're more ready to accept things the way they are, allowing you to truly enjoy what you have. The other times when this happened was when I was 13 years old, when I switched middle schools and finally met people who understood my quirky sense of humor and unusal taste in clothes (I wore a black beret everyday in middle school to remind me of my dream of travelling to France). That was a magical year because I didn't just have one friend, I had a whole group of friends. This was short lived in that I moved away the next year and had to start over again. But still I recall it as a special time. The first time I felt accepted for who I was anywhere.
The second time I felt this kind of bliss was when I travelled to Paris with my high school and stayd with a French family. I never thought I would leave New England, let alone the United States (though you would think moving to California might give me some hope). I never thought I would get to France, but go to Paris I did -sans famille and it changed my life. I was liberated by the idea that I didn't know anyone in this country and i would never see any of these people again. I felt free to be myself and to not care what people thought, even though I was hesitant to speak the French I had worked so hard to learn, I still felt free because I had to get around on my own in a foreign city and I did it. This was the first time that one of my dreams came true and the first time I felt fearless.
The last time I felt this good was when I broke up with my exboyfriend of four years. I had made a heap of friends in film school and i spent the summer doing anything and everything I wanted, following every inspired whim and impulse. Admittedly some of it was dangerous, and some of it I look back and it makes me cringe, but it was freedom, absolute freedom and I never learned more about myself. I had a heap of friends, watched a ton of movies and literally danced my ass off. It was the summer I met my husband, the last summer of no responsibility. I wish I had appreciated it more, but I don't long for that time at all. I just remember it fondly.
There was a short time -the summer of 1999 was wonderful. I spent it at UCLA where I hung out exclusively with international students. It was like going abroad without going abroad. Again it was a time of friends and lots of movies. I suppose I am happiest when I am surrounded by interesting people and going to the movies frequently.
What's great is that I know that another memorable summer is ahead of us and that we have to grab it by the horns and open all the doors to allow it to be as good as it can be. I'm going to make my own ice cream, I'm going to hang out at the Thursday Night Farmer's Market, I'm going to have lunch with Anne, have cocktails in my backyard, play tennis with Luke, going to write that screenplay, go away for a weekend, and hopefully have enough time to make quilts and knit tank tops.
Hope you all have a fabulous summer because mine starts NOW.
GG
Secret Pal 5 is in action and I'm enjoying emailing my secret pals. I'm impressed that I always get paired up with interesting people. You knitters are a fascinating bunch. Blah I wish I had more to say. Things have been really good. I've been eating entirely too much. I had some fabulous Crab Bisque at Bungalow 44. It was so good that every day at lunch time I fantasize that I'm sipping Crab Bisque instead of chomping down on last night's leftovers. Many thanks to R and R for treating me for my birthday. It was an unforgettable dinner.
Last Friday as you may know I went out with some of my friends. I planned this event for two reasons. One: to fete my birthday but also two : to see if any of my girlfriends might like any of my guy friends. Time will tell, but I think something's bubbling. I'm such a trouble maker, but the people in question are fabulous, intelligent people who have had bad luck in this arena. I've done my part playing kismet in bringing them together.. as I'm fond of saying only time will tell...
Time will tell in two weeks when my pal J has a house partay. The theme is "What the f*ck", meaning "I'll go to the party with a lampshade on my head -what the f*ck?" or "I'll wear a Homer Simpson mask to the party -what the f8ck?". I think I may go wearing a purple wig a la Charlotte in Lost In Translation (but also with a tiara -how often do I get to wear a tiara in public ?)
So this summer is panning out to be quite memorable. I've made new friends and been much more sociable, which even my pal Tai has noticed, who normally condemns my lack of a social life. Things are falling into place. Luke and I have cleared a major hurdle in our lives so we're focusing on enjoying ourselves. I'm feeling so good that i'm realizing that there only a few truly memorable eras in my life. The rest of the time life is difficult and you struggle, but unexplicably, there are times when magic happens and everything is how you want it to be. Or perhaps you're more ready to accept things the way they are, allowing you to truly enjoy what you have. The other times when this happened was when I was 13 years old, when I switched middle schools and finally met people who understood my quirky sense of humor and unusal taste in clothes (I wore a black beret everyday in middle school to remind me of my dream of travelling to France). That was a magical year because I didn't just have one friend, I had a whole group of friends. This was short lived in that I moved away the next year and had to start over again. But still I recall it as a special time. The first time I felt accepted for who I was anywhere.
The second time I felt this kind of bliss was when I travelled to Paris with my high school and stayd with a French family. I never thought I would leave New England, let alone the United States (though you would think moving to California might give me some hope). I never thought I would get to France, but go to Paris I did -sans famille and it changed my life. I was liberated by the idea that I didn't know anyone in this country and i would never see any of these people again. I felt free to be myself and to not care what people thought, even though I was hesitant to speak the French I had worked so hard to learn, I still felt free because I had to get around on my own in a foreign city and I did it. This was the first time that one of my dreams came true and the first time I felt fearless.
The last time I felt this good was when I broke up with my exboyfriend of four years. I had made a heap of friends in film school and i spent the summer doing anything and everything I wanted, following every inspired whim and impulse. Admittedly some of it was dangerous, and some of it I look back and it makes me cringe, but it was freedom, absolute freedom and I never learned more about myself. I had a heap of friends, watched a ton of movies and literally danced my ass off. It was the summer I met my husband, the last summer of no responsibility. I wish I had appreciated it more, but I don't long for that time at all. I just remember it fondly.
There was a short time -the summer of 1999 was wonderful. I spent it at UCLA where I hung out exclusively with international students. It was like going abroad without going abroad. Again it was a time of friends and lots of movies. I suppose I am happiest when I am surrounded by interesting people and going to the movies frequently.
What's great is that I know that another memorable summer is ahead of us and that we have to grab it by the horns and open all the doors to allow it to be as good as it can be. I'm going to make my own ice cream, I'm going to hang out at the Thursday Night Farmer's Market, I'm going to have lunch with Anne, have cocktails in my backyard, play tennis with Luke, going to write that screenplay, go away for a weekend, and hopefully have enough time to make quilts and knit tank tops.
Hope you all have a fabulous summer because mine starts NOW.
GG
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Is it really Sunday night already?
yep it is because I'm blogging my weekend roundup.
Truth be told the weekend went by rather slowly because I was so busy. It was the best of both worlds. I went out, hung out and crafted out. Friday night was my birthday celebration in Sausalito. Pretty low key -we went to my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar called Patterson's. Once everyone arrived we went to my favorite Indian restaurant for some Punjabi burritos. I gorged on two potato samosas. I'm still full. Then we went to my friend Tai's house where we watched Iron Chef. Did I mention that this was the best birthday ever? You really can't beat watching a Lamb battle with your friends. It was all fois gras and bacon and truffles. Do I need mention that Iron Chef Sakai won the battle?
Saturday my parents and brother came over we snacked and I took my mom to the local quilt shop and yarn shop. My empty wallet hurts. We went for sushi at Sushi to Dai for, which was quite yummy. I saw my friends Jessica and Anne walking down the street so I got up in the middle of dinner to chat with them. It was a good time. I'm lucky to have such nifty friends. I hope to spend more time with them this summer. Man I really need to have a barbedcue, as if I haven't partied enough this week. God.
As such, I was happy to have a quiet Sunday. I worked on my quilt, worked on the Rowan knit-1 tank, and just generally enjoyed myself. Oh yeah and I played Lord of the Rings. I'm totally addicted to that game despite the fact that the turn-based play is pretty boring. I'm stuck fighting the pig-faced orc at Osgiliath. I've been beaten by him 6 times already, but I'm not letting it get me down.
Yay: "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" the doco about Wilco's album Yankee Foxtrot is on so I will leave you to watch it and to drink my glass of red wine.
Happy weekend for me, good week to you.
joyex tricoter
Truth be told the weekend went by rather slowly because I was so busy. It was the best of both worlds. I went out, hung out and crafted out. Friday night was my birthday celebration in Sausalito. Pretty low key -we went to my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar called Patterson's. Once everyone arrived we went to my favorite Indian restaurant for some Punjabi burritos. I gorged on two potato samosas. I'm still full. Then we went to my friend Tai's house where we watched Iron Chef. Did I mention that this was the best birthday ever? You really can't beat watching a Lamb battle with your friends. It was all fois gras and bacon and truffles. Do I need mention that Iron Chef Sakai won the battle?
Saturday my parents and brother came over we snacked and I took my mom to the local quilt shop and yarn shop. My empty wallet hurts. We went for sushi at Sushi to Dai for, which was quite yummy. I saw my friends Jessica and Anne walking down the street so I got up in the middle of dinner to chat with them. It was a good time. I'm lucky to have such nifty friends. I hope to spend more time with them this summer. Man I really need to have a barbedcue, as if I haven't partied enough this week. God.
As such, I was happy to have a quiet Sunday. I worked on my quilt, worked on the Rowan knit-1 tank, and just generally enjoyed myself. Oh yeah and I played Lord of the Rings. I'm totally addicted to that game despite the fact that the turn-based play is pretty boring. I'm stuck fighting the pig-faced orc at Osgiliath. I've been beaten by him 6 times already, but I'm not letting it get me down.
Yay: "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" the doco about Wilco's album Yankee Foxtrot is on so I will leave you to watch it and to drink my glass of red wine.
Happy weekend for me, good week to you.
joyex tricoter
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Best Birthday Evah!!!!!!
Yes Friends,
Today is my birthday -only four more years until I'm 30! I have been spoiled beyond belief by my family, friends and coworkers and it isn't even noon yet.
Many thanks to all of you for making it so special.
Oh and thanks to my secret pal 5 Speedway (that's her secret pal name!) for the hilarious e-card.
Its nice being loved.
Grenadine Girl
Today is my birthday -only four more years until I'm 30! I have been spoiled beyond belief by my family, friends and coworkers and it isn't even noon yet.
Many thanks to all of you for making it so special.
Oh and thanks to my secret pal 5 Speedway (that's her secret pal name!) for the hilarious e-card.
Its nice being loved.
Grenadine Girl
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Secret Pal 5
Have you noticed that I do the things that I already said I wouldn't do? So here we go for Secret Pal 5.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I prefer the higher quality, but I won't turn down any yarn!
2. Do you spin? Crochet? no spinning or crocheting
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)I am allergic to smoke
4. How long have you been knitting? Since September 04
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? yes
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)citrusy, light floraly scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Not so much
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Quilting and collaging
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)lots of stuff, just not rap.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love hot pink, teal, green, orange, yellow. Surprise me.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? married, no pets or children - yet.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)To be a citizen of the world.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Cascase 220, Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Any plymouth yarn, Crystal Palace Chenille
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? not a big fan of the novelty yarns.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? tank tops.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? scarves, handbags, and shirts
17. What are you knitting right now? Two things: a tank top and a baby blanket. I would like to be knitting something with a ribonny yarn. Yes a shawl with a ribonny yarn would be quite nice, perhaps in lavender-type color.
18. What do you think about ponchos? Not so much.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Straight.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? All of the above.
21. Are you a sock knitter? No, but I would like to be.
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself!
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 4 years old.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? none really.
25. What is your favorite holiday? New Year's Eve.
26. Is there anything that you collect? What don't I collect? Tea Cups and Saucers, antique books about Napoleon, old cameras, French ephemera.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None, but I'm a magazine-a-holic so they would be welcomed.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I prefer the higher quality, but I won't turn down any yarn!
2. Do you spin? Crochet? no spinning or crocheting
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)I am allergic to smoke
4. How long have you been knitting? Since September 04
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? yes
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)citrusy, light floraly scents
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Not so much
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Quilting and collaging
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)lots of stuff, just not rap.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I love hot pink, teal, green, orange, yellow. Surprise me.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? married, no pets or children - yet.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)To be a citizen of the world.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Cascase 220, Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Any plymouth yarn, Crystal Palace Chenille
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? not a big fan of the novelty yarns.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? tank tops.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? scarves, handbags, and shirts
17. What are you knitting right now? Two things: a tank top and a baby blanket. I would like to be knitting something with a ribonny yarn. Yes a shawl with a ribonny yarn would be quite nice, perhaps in lavender-type color.
18. What do you think about ponchos? Not so much.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Straight.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? All of the above.
21. Are you a sock knitter? No, but I would like to be.
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself!
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 4 years old.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? none really.
25. What is your favorite holiday? New Year's Eve.
26. Is there anything that you collect? What don't I collect? Tea Cups and Saucers, antique books about Napoleon, old cameras, French ephemera.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None, but I'm a magazine-a-holic so they would be welcomed.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Mission Accomplished
A mighty weekend indeed.
massage, margaritas, and movies. Does a girl really need anything else?
Photos coming soon.
La Fille Grenadine
massage, margaritas, and movies. Does a girl really need anything else?
Photos coming soon.
La Fille Grenadine
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Appearance Check
This is what I look like now, a week before my 26th birthday.
This has been a glorious Saturday. I discovered the joy of antique shopping. God help us I have another hobby and its collecting antique books about the Napoleonic Era (incidentally this happened while I was shopping for a birthday present for my pal Jenny who we need to give a nickname to) I also finished quilting the Freckle quilt and finished phase one of the Knit 1 tank. Not to mention I kicked some MAJOR ass on the Lord of the Rings video game. let's just say that its 10pm and I'm only now just making myself dinner. And I watched Sense and Sensibility and Empire Strikes Bag. Those who would say that I'm not kookoo for film should be ashamed of themselves (not Mr. G btw) Busy Busy Grenadine Girl.
I now dub Jenny L.A. Girl.
I now dub Mr. Grenadine Canberra Boy
Special thx to Superstarra Christie for her funny comments.
GG
This has been a glorious Saturday. I discovered the joy of antique shopping. God help us I have another hobby and its collecting antique books about the Napoleonic Era (incidentally this happened while I was shopping for a birthday present for my pal Jenny who we need to give a nickname to) I also finished quilting the Freckle quilt and finished phase one of the Knit 1 tank. Not to mention I kicked some MAJOR ass on the Lord of the Rings video game. let's just say that its 10pm and I'm only now just making myself dinner. And I watched Sense and Sensibility and Empire Strikes Bag. Those who would say that I'm not kookoo for film should be ashamed of themselves (not Mr. G btw) Busy Busy Grenadine Girl.
I now dub Jenny L.A. Girl.
I now dub Mr. Grenadine Canberra Boy
Special thx to Superstarra Christie for her funny comments.
GG
Good Morning
Its bright and early on a Saturday morning. I woke up at 6:30am. This is terribly wrong considering that it's a loooooong weekend and I should be sleeping in. However I woke up at 6:30 this morning with a headache and a stuffy nose, which brings me to only one conclusion.
I am getting Mr. Grenadine's flu.
My husband has been home sick for more than a week and I thought that since he is getting better now and I had so far not gotten sick that I was out of the woods as far as catching this flu was concerned. I might have been wrong. Only time will tell. For now I've got to find myself some Advil. I am also quite tired. This doesn't bode well for my trip to the day spa tomorrow with my pal Jenny. There's nothing worse than having a stuffy nose when having a massage. There you are lying face down on the massage table and your nose is running. It's not like you can get a tissue or anything it prevents you from melting into your massage. I see some dayquil in my future.
ugh.
La Fille Grenadine
I am getting Mr. Grenadine's flu.
My husband has been home sick for more than a week and I thought that since he is getting better now and I had so far not gotten sick that I was out of the woods as far as catching this flu was concerned. I might have been wrong. Only time will tell. For now I've got to find myself some Advil. I am also quite tired. This doesn't bode well for my trip to the day spa tomorrow with my pal Jenny. There's nothing worse than having a stuffy nose when having a massage. There you are lying face down on the massage table and your nose is running. It's not like you can get a tissue or anything it prevents you from melting into your massage. I see some dayquil in my future.
ugh.
La Fille Grenadine
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
May The Force Be With You
I just came back from Revenge of the Sith and I loved every minute of it. It's 11pm and I'm going to watch a New Hope now.
You didn't know I was a Star Wars geek too didja?
-Princess Leia.
I mean Grenadine Girl.
You didn't know I was a Star Wars geek too didja?
-Princess Leia.
I mean Grenadine Girl.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Sunny Weather Makes Everything Better
Even work.
Today was a very good day at work, not that they have been miserable or anything, but it's amazing how a warm breeze and blue skies can make the day go faster and work smoother.
I am pleased that my secret pal Cecile got her last secret pal gift, which you can view here. I enjoyed corresponding with her so much and getting gifts from my secret pal that I have decided to join Secret Pal 5.
By the way I wanted to say a special thanks to my secret pal (who still remains a secret). You were so nice to me and I loved everything you sent. Beaucoup remerciments.
I didn't get up to much knitting I was busy caring for Mr. Grenadine who has been sick with the flu this last week, but he's been a very appreciative husband. I'm a lucky girl.
Right now we're cozy watching Young Frankstein. I love Gene Wilder.
Grenadine Girl
Today was a very good day at work, not that they have been miserable or anything, but it's amazing how a warm breeze and blue skies can make the day go faster and work smoother.
I am pleased that my secret pal Cecile got her last secret pal gift, which you can view here. I enjoyed corresponding with her so much and getting gifts from my secret pal that I have decided to join Secret Pal 5.
By the way I wanted to say a special thanks to my secret pal (who still remains a secret). You were so nice to me and I loved everything you sent. Beaucoup remerciments.
I didn't get up to much knitting I was busy caring for Mr. Grenadine who has been sick with the flu this last week, but he's been a very appreciative husband. I'm a lucky girl.
Right now we're cozy watching Young Frankstein. I love Gene Wilder.
Grenadine Girl
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Summer's Here and I am Reborn
Another good weekend is almost over.
I woke up this morning having slept in for more than two hours and went straight outside to get the Sunday paper. The air was warm and sweet and I couldn't help lounging on my front lawn with a cup of coffee to read the paper. I was wonderful to bask in the sun while the neighborhood children roll around on bikes.
This beautiful day was enhanced by my adventures in quilting. I'm almost finished quilting The Freckle Quilt and I have washed all of the fabrics for the Wedding Bouquet, which I have to figure out the geometry for.
There's something I've always wanted to do and that's get a master's degree. I could apply for a film studies degree. I already have an idea of a thesis that I would write, but do I really need a degree to prove that I am a film geek? Considering the quantity of films I watched this weekend (while I was quilting and knitting) the geekiness is self-evident. My other idea is to study textiles. I would love to design fabric. When I was young my drawings and ideas made me think that they would only be good for fabric patterns, which at this point is now a good idea.
As such, I'm trying to develop a portfolio of my ideas, which I will work on until I apply for grad school, which could be at least two years from now.
Anyway to the summer rebirth thing. I have a new goal for this summer. Its always good to have a silly life experience goal and this year's is to try every flavor ice cream from Silberman's Ice cream shop. This is good because it's near to my house. Mr. G and I strolled over to the ice cream shop and decided that it was something that we should do more often.
This week's flavor was Chocolate with Peanut Butter Swirl which was absolutely yummy. Just the right combination of chocolate and peanutbuttery goodness, but not too sugary and perfectly creamy. No wonder I want to go every day, I mean every week.
Grenadine Girl
I woke up this morning having slept in for more than two hours and went straight outside to get the Sunday paper. The air was warm and sweet and I couldn't help lounging on my front lawn with a cup of coffee to read the paper. I was wonderful to bask in the sun while the neighborhood children roll around on bikes.
This beautiful day was enhanced by my adventures in quilting. I'm almost finished quilting The Freckle Quilt and I have washed all of the fabrics for the Wedding Bouquet, which I have to figure out the geometry for.
There's something I've always wanted to do and that's get a master's degree. I could apply for a film studies degree. I already have an idea of a thesis that I would write, but do I really need a degree to prove that I am a film geek? Considering the quantity of films I watched this weekend (while I was quilting and knitting) the geekiness is self-evident. My other idea is to study textiles. I would love to design fabric. When I was young my drawings and ideas made me think that they would only be good for fabric patterns, which at this point is now a good idea.
As such, I'm trying to develop a portfolio of my ideas, which I will work on until I apply for grad school, which could be at least two years from now.
Anyway to the summer rebirth thing. I have a new goal for this summer. Its always good to have a silly life experience goal and this year's is to try every flavor ice cream from Silberman's Ice cream shop. This is good because it's near to my house. Mr. G and I strolled over to the ice cream shop and decided that it was something that we should do more often.
This week's flavor was Chocolate with Peanut Butter Swirl which was absolutely yummy. Just the right combination of chocolate and peanutbuttery goodness, but not too sugary and perfectly creamy. No wonder I want to go every day, I mean every week.
Grenadine Girl
Saturday, May 21, 2005
A Fabric Splurge
The other night I mentioned that I was defecting to quilting and I am doing it in a big way. As I write I am washing some new fabric that I have amassed for my new quilt entitled: The Wedding Bouquet. It's made with the colors of my wedding:
While I was busy picking out the last couple of fabrics, I ran across some yarn. Some of that fantastic Joann's brand yarn that I will make a shawl with. And guess what, they're the same colors from my wedding.
Do you see a theme going on here?
To get out of this wedding nostralgia thing I've been working on the Knit 1 tank, which I finally have a photo of:
though I don't think I need the ridiculous hair do. I'm using Rowan All Seasons cotton with is like buttah to knit. I watched three episodes of The Forsyte Saga while I was knitting and you can see my progress:
Now that I've finished blogging, I'm going to eat lunch and quilt. See you later.
Grenadine Girl
While I was busy picking out the last couple of fabrics, I ran across some yarn. Some of that fantastic Joann's brand yarn that I will make a shawl with. And guess what, they're the same colors from my wedding.
Do you see a theme going on here?
To get out of this wedding nostralgia thing I've been working on the Knit 1 tank, which I finally have a photo of:
though I don't think I need the ridiculous hair do. I'm using Rowan All Seasons cotton with is like buttah to knit. I watched three episodes of The Forsyte Saga while I was knitting and you can see my progress:
Now that I've finished blogging, I'm going to eat lunch and quilt. See you later.
Grenadine Girl
Friday, May 20, 2005
I love dishware
And speaking of dishware...
Alex Marshall is having a sale of her fabulous table ware. Go here for beautiful serving pieces in emerald, ox blood and aqua.
I would go straight there myself if I hadn't just spent a fortune on fabric and yarn, which I will show you later.
Bon weekend a tous!
Alex Marshall is having a sale of her fabulous table ware. Go here for beautiful serving pieces in emerald, ox blood and aqua.
I would go straight there myself if I hadn't just spent a fortune on fabric and yarn, which I will show you later.
Bon weekend a tous!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Its a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Would you be my neighbor?
I must be doing well because I now have good old Mister Rogers stuck in my head. Or perhaps I'm still high off endorphins from my 30 minute stationary bike ride. I love the bike. I read while I'm biking and it makes exercise more enjoyable. And I get to exercise my mind while my legs get a workout. I'm still reading the biography about Madame de Stael. Right now she's in exile from France because good old Boney (Emperor Bonaparte) doesn't like her free flowing ideas and unconventional lifestyle. I love how reading about her has given me a new dimension on Napoleon. All of the biographies that center on him give him a lot more glory than he perhaps deserves. He is such a controversial figure -it's hard to tell if he was good or bad for the French people. On one hand he did create the code Napoleon (which is still the basis of law in Louisiana) and he brought order to what was previously revolutionary anarchy. On the other, he discouraged freedom of thought and freedom of the press. Nonetheless, he and his contemporaries are fascinating to me.
I have started that Knit 1 tank with the Rowan all seasons cotton. This is going to take a long time and I hope for my sake, since I plan to wear this thing that it turns out better than my flower basket. Am I getting myself in too deep? It's a simple tank. It will teach me important things like armhole and neck shaping. And I'll have to whip out my crochet techniques for the finishing touches. I have high hopes for this project. But then I have a secret. I've been a little disloyal to the knitting. Gasp! I've been thinking about returning to quilting! That's right. This Saturday I want to set up my sewing machine in the dining room and finish my mother-in-law's quilt. Its looooooong overdue and she could do with a special gift. Which reminds me that I should email my sister-in-law Tegan. Hello Tegan.
Anywho I should hang out with my neglected husband who is currently watching Star Treg TNG, which I'm not such a huge fan of anymore.
Hey I also remembered to mail my secret pal a new package today. I can't wait for her to receive it. I am still considering whether or not I want to participate in SP5. I have to save a heap of cashola for my Christmas trip to Australia. Has anyone already signed up for SP5?
I hope you're all doing well. I'm excited my birthday is coming up soon.
Grenadine Girl
I must be doing well because I now have good old Mister Rogers stuck in my head. Or perhaps I'm still high off endorphins from my 30 minute stationary bike ride. I love the bike. I read while I'm biking and it makes exercise more enjoyable. And I get to exercise my mind while my legs get a workout. I'm still reading the biography about Madame de Stael. Right now she's in exile from France because good old Boney (Emperor Bonaparte) doesn't like her free flowing ideas and unconventional lifestyle. I love how reading about her has given me a new dimension on Napoleon. All of the biographies that center on him give him a lot more glory than he perhaps deserves. He is such a controversial figure -it's hard to tell if he was good or bad for the French people. On one hand he did create the code Napoleon (which is still the basis of law in Louisiana) and he brought order to what was previously revolutionary anarchy. On the other, he discouraged freedom of thought and freedom of the press. Nonetheless, he and his contemporaries are fascinating to me.
I have started that Knit 1 tank with the Rowan all seasons cotton. This is going to take a long time and I hope for my sake, since I plan to wear this thing that it turns out better than my flower basket. Am I getting myself in too deep? It's a simple tank. It will teach me important things like armhole and neck shaping. And I'll have to whip out my crochet techniques for the finishing touches. I have high hopes for this project. But then I have a secret. I've been a little disloyal to the knitting. Gasp! I've been thinking about returning to quilting! That's right. This Saturday I want to set up my sewing machine in the dining room and finish my mother-in-law's quilt. Its looooooong overdue and she could do with a special gift. Which reminds me that I should email my sister-in-law Tegan. Hello Tegan.
Anywho I should hang out with my neglected husband who is currently watching Star Treg TNG, which I'm not such a huge fan of anymore.
Hey I also remembered to mail my secret pal a new package today. I can't wait for her to receive it. I am still considering whether or not I want to participate in SP5. I have to save a heap of cashola for my Christmas trip to Australia. Has anyone already signed up for SP5?
I hope you're all doing well. I'm excited my birthday is coming up soon.
Grenadine Girl
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Lasagne, America's Party Food
Mom's party went well. So well in fact that I have spent the whole weekend at my parents house. I hope my husband isn't feeling neglected. I think it's only fair since he got up early this morning to see a PREVIEW SCREENING OF THE NEW STAR WARS MOVIE. Everyone at the party is surpised that I'm not leaving him because I don't get to go, but I'll live. There's a major race running in the city this morning at the same time as the movie so it will be a minor miracle if Luke gets there on time. Speaking of which, I don't know how the heck I'm going to get home since I have to drive through the city to get home. I'm seriously considering a roundabout drive through the East Bay to avoid all of the crazy traffic. Instead, I'm using this as an excuse to stick around my parents house longer and to go to their LYS, which I'm sad to admit is better than the LYS in my neighborhood.
After posting this blog, I will be reviewing two patterns, one in Rowan's Beach Cool and the other in the Knit 1 magazine (gasp!). There are some sweaters and tank tops that I want to try from the Beach Cool thing (and a hat too). There's a tank top with a ribbon tie in the back that I like in Knit 1.
Here's the Rowan tank top:
I think I'm going to extend the bottom a bit. Its a bit short, making my boobs look humongo, a department in which they currently do not require assistance.
My mom's birthday was fantastic. Everyone had a good time and I enjoyed all of the cooking, though I think I'm avoiding the clean up aspect of the operation.
Anywho i hope you're all doing well and have had good weekends.
La Fille Grenadine
After posting this blog, I will be reviewing two patterns, one in Rowan's Beach Cool and the other in the Knit 1 magazine (gasp!). There are some sweaters and tank tops that I want to try from the Beach Cool thing (and a hat too). There's a tank top with a ribbon tie in the back that I like in Knit 1.
Here's the Rowan tank top:
I think I'm going to extend the bottom a bit. Its a bit short, making my boobs look humongo, a department in which they currently do not require assistance.
My mom's birthday was fantastic. Everyone had a good time and I enjoyed all of the cooking, though I think I'm avoiding the clean up aspect of the operation.
Anywho i hope you're all doing well and have had good weekends.
La Fille Grenadine
Saturday, May 14, 2005
be right back
busy with mom's b-day party. This week I'm planning a major big post with lots of photos. So much to do. I still have to send out my last package to my secret pal, but I've been waiting because I still want to find some fun little gifts, which I might be able to do today in between running around getting all of the food from the Farmer's Market, going to Trader Joe's and preparing the tasty dishes.
We are going to have some fabulous treats:
Bruschetta with Goat Chese
Vegetable Crudites with Guacamole, Hummus and onion dip
vegetarian lasagna
dad's regular lasagna
cheese platter with crackers and french baguettes
party on wayne
GG
We are going to have some fabulous treats:
Bruschetta with Goat Chese
Vegetable Crudites with Guacamole, Hummus and onion dip
vegetarian lasagna
dad's regular lasagna
cheese platter with crackers and french baguettes
party on wayne
GG
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Happy Birthday to Mom!
Just want to wish my mom a very happy birthday! I'm throwing her a little party on Saturday. It's going to be a lot of fun!
And for the rest of you have a very nice day.
(mini update: my friend Jenny is coming for a visit. She and I went to film school together. Maybe we'll write a short film. Lord knows I'm not doing anything with my film degree right now!!!)
Grenadine Girl.
And for the rest of you have a very nice day.
(mini update: my friend Jenny is coming for a visit. She and I went to film school together. Maybe we'll write a short film. Lord knows I'm not doing anything with my film degree right now!!!)
Grenadine Girl.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Bon Weekend
This has been one of the best weekends I've had in a looooong time. I'm feeling pretty good. Saturday was fantastic. I slept in until 9:30 and read a book (which is a biography on Madame de Stael a citoyenne and author during the French Revolution). The weather was gorgeous and I set upon some garage sale shopping. I found 5 textbooks on sewing and pattern making, so hopefully my sewing will improve.
Mr. Grenadine and I had a delicious lunch of leftover spaghetti made fancier by a glass of white wine. I danced around the house listening to Jack Johnson's new album, then we played Lord of the Rings, The Third Age all afternoon. I read some knitting magazines, Rollingstone and Stitch and Bitch nation. I finished the evening by watching the first episode of the Forsyte Saga, which is glorious, especially while I'm knitting.
Yes, I'm back to the knitting again. I am working on a baby blanket for an expectant mum in Australia. I don't like using baby yarn for baby projects. I'm using some Plymouth bulky acrylic blend and it looks beautiful. An easy, relaxing project.
Today is Sunday and now it's all rainy, which makes for some good knitting time and to watch the second installment of the Forsyte saga. I've already had my cup of decaf and read the Sunday paper. We'll probably have to go to the gym this afternoon and I'm actually going to cook a real dinner tonight. Sorry to Mr. Grenadine for being slack-ass in the kitchen.
Anyway happy mother's day to all. I'm going to call my mom and grandmother this afternoon. Hopefully they've received my cards.
Grenadine Girl
Mr. Grenadine and I had a delicious lunch of leftover spaghetti made fancier by a glass of white wine. I danced around the house listening to Jack Johnson's new album, then we played Lord of the Rings, The Third Age all afternoon. I read some knitting magazines, Rollingstone and Stitch and Bitch nation. I finished the evening by watching the first episode of the Forsyte Saga, which is glorious, especially while I'm knitting.
Yes, I'm back to the knitting again. I am working on a baby blanket for an expectant mum in Australia. I don't like using baby yarn for baby projects. I'm using some Plymouth bulky acrylic blend and it looks beautiful. An easy, relaxing project.
Today is Sunday and now it's all rainy, which makes for some good knitting time and to watch the second installment of the Forsyte saga. I've already had my cup of decaf and read the Sunday paper. We'll probably have to go to the gym this afternoon and I'm actually going to cook a real dinner tonight. Sorry to Mr. Grenadine for being slack-ass in the kitchen.
Anyway happy mother's day to all. I'm going to call my mom and grandmother this afternoon. Hopefully they've received my cards.
Grenadine Girl
Friday, May 06, 2005
Kelly Clarkson is Still In My Head
I'm going to spare you the lyrics and the song name but the song mentioned in my previous post persists to play over and over in my head. I wish it would go away. Can anyone suggest a better alternative? I had one I heard a New Order song on the radio today on my way to lunch. I think it's called Morning Sun and the lyrics are some of the most beautiful I've ever heard. I used to sing along to that song when it played on Live 105 in high school, but I never understood what the lyrics meant until now. So much more poetic than it seemed when I was younger.
There we've done it, I now have that New Order song in my head. Much better. This has been a good week. Luke and I celebrated two birthdays, my friend Nova's involved a rice-crispy-treat cake, which was delish along with the munchable dinner. Many thanks to Will and Nova for having us over. It was such a delightful way to get over the Wednesday hump. We made initial plans for the Collimpics, a tournament which will include a variety of events starting with miniature golf, ultimate frisbee and bowling. I think we will have a special trophy made, perhaps a gorilla sporting jaguar bikini briefs? Anywho. I hope we spend more time this summer with the Collins gang. Oh by the way they're in a band, pleast listen to their music, which can be found here. Oh and thanks to Rachel for the new knitting store tip.
The other birthday feted was our pal Ren. We celebrated over Mexican food, it being the day after Cinquo de Mayo and it was muey tasty. Its got me thinking about my birthday which is coming up soon.
much love to everyone. I'm feeling very good post-workout.
peace out.
Grenadine Girl
There we've done it, I now have that New Order song in my head. Much better. This has been a good week. Luke and I celebrated two birthdays, my friend Nova's involved a rice-crispy-treat cake, which was delish along with the munchable dinner. Many thanks to Will and Nova for having us over. It was such a delightful way to get over the Wednesday hump. We made initial plans for the Collimpics, a tournament which will include a variety of events starting with miniature golf, ultimate frisbee and bowling. I think we will have a special trophy made, perhaps a gorilla sporting jaguar bikini briefs? Anywho. I hope we spend more time this summer with the Collins gang. Oh by the way they're in a band, pleast listen to their music, which can be found here. Oh and thanks to Rachel for the new knitting store tip.
The other birthday feted was our pal Ren. We celebrated over Mexican food, it being the day after Cinquo de Mayo and it was muey tasty. Its got me thinking about my birthday which is coming up soon.
much love to everyone. I'm feeling very good post-workout.
peace out.
Grenadine Girl
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Get Out of My Head Kelly Clarkson!!!
I've got that awful song Breakaway stuck in my head. Then I get that Maroon 5 song stuck. This love has taken its toll on me she says goodbye too many times beforeororor. Then Kelly Clarkson again with the Since you've Been Gone song. Can you tell that there's nothing but crap on the radio?
I revealed myself to my secret pal. Her name is Cecile and she's a fabulous French woman and a tricoteuse avec des aiguilles en feu. She knits like a pro! Please visit her well-designed blog: Le Meli Melo de Cecile. I had much fun writing to her in French and sending her goodies. I still have one more package to send and I'm trying to find extra fun things to send...
I finished another project. The knitty wavy scarf in natural Cascade 220 is finished. I have been sporting it around the office and it is very very comfortable. That wool is so soft. Speaking of sporting. I also sport-ed my flower basket at the farmer's market, but it was such a beautiful day outside and there were so many people that nobody noticed my unique sac a main. Nonetheless it still functioned well for the occasion.
The problem remains: what to make next? I don't want to decide right away because I have been working on the two previous projects for so long that i want to bask in the light of finishing them. Instead I am organizing. I am going through my little room once again and tossing out anything I don't need anymore and I'm selling what I won't keep. That's right I'm having a garage sale. I wonder if any of it will sell because it's a lot of junk.
I revealed myself to my secret pal. Her name is Cecile and she's a fabulous French woman and a tricoteuse avec des aiguilles en feu. She knits like a pro! Please visit her well-designed blog: Le Meli Melo de Cecile. I had much fun writing to her in French and sending her goodies. I still have one more package to send and I'm trying to find extra fun things to send...
I finished another project. The knitty wavy scarf in natural Cascade 220 is finished. I have been sporting it around the office and it is very very comfortable. That wool is so soft. Speaking of sporting. I also sport-ed my flower basket at the farmer's market, but it was such a beautiful day outside and there were so many people that nobody noticed my unique sac a main. Nonetheless it still functioned well for the occasion.
The problem remains: what to make next? I don't want to decide right away because I have been working on the two previous projects for so long that i want to bask in the light of finishing them. Instead I am organizing. I am going through my little room once again and tossing out anything I don't need anymore and I'm selling what I won't keep. That's right I'm having a garage sale. I wonder if any of it will sell because it's a lot of junk.
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